Ice cream makers are a delightful addition to any kitchen, offering the opportunity to create delicious frozen treats at home. With a plethora of options available, choosing the right ice cream maker can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide explores the top 10 ice cream makers on the market, detailing who makes them, who needs them, who doesn’t, what they offer, and providing in-depth analyses of each pick. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to select the perfect ice cream maker for your needs and preferences.
Top Picks
- SUPERIOR FUNCTION: This Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine features a mixing paddle that makes frozen treats in 20 minutes or less.
- COOL FEATURE: Double-insulated freezer bowl eliminates the need for ice.
- CAPACITY: This ice cream maker can produce up to 1-1/2 quarts of your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- EASY TO USE: Ice cream machine features an easy-lock transparent lid with large spout to make adding ingredients simple and mess free.
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: The BPA-free Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
- DOUBLE-INSULATED FREEZER BOWL: This Cuisinart Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine with double-insulated freezer bowl holds a generous 2 quarts of your favorite frozen dessert treats, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, sherbet, and frozen drinks.
- SUPERIOR FUNCTIONALITY: The brushed stainless steel ice cream machine features a fully automatic heavy-duty motor to make frozen desserts or drinks in under 30 minutes.
- MUST-HAVE FEATURES: Large ingredient spout for easily adding favorite mix-ins, including retractable cord storage that keeps countertops clutter-free.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Frozen yogurt machine comes with a replacement lid, double-insulated freezer bowl that holds up to 2 quarts of frozen dessert, paddle, instructions, and a recipe book.
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: The BPA-free Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine ICE30BCP1 comes with a limited 3-year warranty.
- ☛【FAST REFRIGERATION】The ice cream machine is equipped with a powerful compressor for rapid refrigeration. The first molding takes only 10 minutes, and the second molding takes only 2-3 minutes or less. It can produce uninterruptedly at 5-32°C to ensure continuous supply
- ☛【EFFICIENT OUTPUT】The commercial ice cream machine is equipped with a 2.5-liter material box and a 1-liter freezer box, with an hourly output of 4-5 kg (80-100 pieces, 80 grams each), and can produce 2 to 4 servings continuously. The double inflation technology can increase the expansion rate by 40%, bringing a smoother taste and saving 20% of raw materials
- ☛【INTELLIGENT CONTROL】The ice cream making machine is equipped with an LCD control panel with integrated automatic pre-cooling, defrosting, one-button cleaning and timer setting functions, so you can check the production time and remaining quantity at any time. The defrosting function can quickly thaw the ice cream from state to the appropriate serving temperature
- ☛【COMMERCIAL COMPACT DESIGN】The tabletop soft ice cream machine is small in size, and the body and liner are made of food-grade stainless steel, which is durable, rust-proof and easy to clean. It is an choice for snack bars, dessert shops, food trucks and start-ups
- ☛【WIDE APPLICATION】The ice cream machine can provide soft ice cream and desserts of various flavors, and make a variety of ice cream delicacies, including cones, waffles and cakes. It is suitable for ice cream shops, parties, cafes, bars, etc. to meet different preferences
- FUNCTIONALITY: Turn almost anything into ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and more..Wattage: 800 watts. Voltage: 120 volts *Source: Circana LLC, Retail Tracking Service, U.S. dollar sales, 52 weeks ending Jan 4 2025 / 52 weeks ending Jan 6 2024/ 52 weeks ending Jan 7 2023 / 52 weeks ending Jan 8 2022 (Ice Cream/Yogurt Makers, Model NC301)
- CUSTOMIZATION: With the Ninja CREAMi, you can have total control of your ingredients from decadent gelato to low sugar, keto, dairy-free, and vegan options. Create frozen treats as unique as you are.
- MIX-INS: Customize your flavor and texture by mixing in your favorite chocolate, nuts, candy, fruit, and more to personalize any CREAMi treat.
- 7 ONE-TOUCH PROGRAMS: (7) one-touch programs allow for the perfect combination of speed, pressure, and time to completely shave through your frozen pint. Choose between Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Milkshake, Smoothie Bowl, Lite Ice Cream, and Mix-in.
- EASY TO USE: Create a CREAMi treat in three easy steps. Simply prep your base, freeze overnight, process, and enjoy.
- HOMEMADE ICE CREAM: Enjoy a fun ice cream experience with modern convenience with our ice cream machines. Make ice cream, frozen yogurt, or gelato, or choose your favorite flavor and make a unique and delicious creation.
- NOSTALGIA ICE CREAM KITS: Our ice cream machines for home pair perfectly with all Nostalgia ice cream kits. Try the vanilla crème, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream mix or the premium starter kit, which is excellent for a party or snack time.
- QUICK AND EASY: Make homemade ice cream in 20 minutes. The powerful electric motor does all the churning and work for you. There is no more intensive stirring or manual effort, and the motor locks into place to keep all parts secure.
- CONVENIENT HANDLE: Take the gelato maker to parties or the neighbor's house. It has a carrying handle attached to the bucket, making it easy to move no matter where it needs to go.
- NOSTALGIA: From designs inspired by early 20th century America to the timeless appeal of our appliances, we offer unique, novel, and fun products for the family. We preserve the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
What is an Ice Cream Maker?
An ice cream maker is a kitchen appliance used to churn and freeze a mixture of ingredients to create ice cream, sorbet, gelato, or frozen yogurt. It consists of a freezing chamber, churner, and motor, which work together to aerate and freeze the mixture, resulting in a creamy and smooth texture.
More: Best Countertop Ice Maker | Best Vanilla Ice Cream | Best Night Cream | Best Ice Cream Scoop | Best Ice Machines
Types of Ice Cream Makers
- Manual Ice Cream Makers:
- Description: These ice cream makers require manual effort to churn the mixture using a hand crank or paddle.
- Advantages: Simple and easy to use, no electricity required.
- Disadvantages: Requires physical effort, longer freezing time.
- Electric Ice Cream Makers:
- Description: Electric ice cream makers have a motorized churner that automatically churns the mixture while freezing it.
- Advantages: Convenient and efficient, faster freezing time.
- Disadvantages: Requires electricity, may be more expensive.
- Compressor Ice Cream Makers:
- Description: These ice cream makers have a built-in compressor that freezes the mixture as it churns, eliminating the need for pre-freezing the bowl.
- Advantages: Instant freezing, no pre-freezing required.
- Disadvantages: More expensive, larger and heavier.
Major Ice Cream Maker Manufacturers
- Cuisinart:
- Overview: Cuisinart is a renowned brand in the kitchen appliance industry, offering a wide range of high-quality ice cream makers.
- Popular Models: Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence, Cuisinart ICE-70 Electronic Ice Cream Maker.
- Breville:
- Overview: Breville is known for its innovative and stylish kitchen appliances, including premium ice cream makers.
- Popular Models: Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop, Breville BCI500 Gelateria.
- KitchenAid:
- Overview: KitchenAid is a household name in kitchen appliances, offering durable and reliable ice cream makers.
- Popular Models: KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment, KitchenAid KICA Ice Cream Maker Stand Mixer Attachment.
- Nostalgia Electrics:
- Overview: Nostalgia Electrics specializes in retro-style kitchen appliances, including nostalgic ice cream makers.
- Popular Models: Nostalgia ICMP400WD Electric Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker, Nostalgia ICMW400 Vintage Collection.
- Hamilton Beach:
- Overview: Hamilton Beach offers a range of affordable and user-friendly ice cream makers suitable for home use.
- Popular Models: Hamilton Beach 68330N Automatic Ice Cream Maker, Hamilton Beach 68320 1.5-Quart Capacity Ice Cream Maker.
- Whynter:
- Overview: Whynter produces high-quality ice cream makers, including compressor models, known for their reliability and performance.
- Popular Models: Whynter ICM-200LS Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker, Whynter ICM-201SB Upright Automatic Ice Cream Maker.
- Dash:
- Overview: Dash offers compact and affordable ice cream makers, perfect for small kitchens or occasional use.
- Popular Models: Dash DIC700AQ 2-in-1 Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet + Popsicle Maker, Dash DIC001AQ Deluxe Ice Cream Maker.
- Ninja:
- Overview: Ninja is known for its innovative kitchen appliances, including versatile ice cream makers suitable for various frozen treats.
- Popular Models: Ninja Creami, Ninja Foodi Cold & Hot Blender.
- Lello:
- Overview: Lello produces high-end ice cream makers known for their durability and performance, favored by serious ice cream enthusiasts.
- Popular Models: Lello 4080 Musso Lussino, Lello 4090 Gelato Pro Quart Ice Cream Maker.
- Yonanas:
- Overview: Yonanas specializes in frozen dessert makers that churn frozen fruits into healthy and delicious treats.
- Popular Models: Yonanas Classic Original Healthy Dessert Fruit Soft Serve Maker, Yonanas Elite Frozen Healthy Dessert Maker.
Who Needs an Ice Cream Maker?
Ice cream makers are beneficial for various individuals and lifestyles, including:
- Ice Cream Enthusiasts:
- Needs: The ability to create custom flavors and experiment with different ingredients.
- Ideal Ice Cream Makers: Electric or compressor models with large capacities and versatile features.
- Health-Conscious Individuals:
- Needs: Control over ingredients to make healthier frozen treats using fresh fruits and natural sweeteners.
- Ideal Ice Cream Makers: Electric or manual models with the option to make sorbets and frozen yogurts.
- Families:
- Needs: Homemade ice cream for family gatherings and special occasions.
- Ideal Ice Cream Makers: Electric models with large capacities and quick freezing times.
- Culinary Enthusiasts:
- Needs: The ability to make gourmet ice cream and experiment with unique flavors and textures.
- Ideal Ice Cream Makers: High-end compressor models with advanced features and precise temperature control.
- Entrepreneurs:
- Needs: The capability to produce large quantities of ice cream for commercial purposes or small businesses.
- Ideal Ice Cream Makers: Commercial-grade compressor models with high capacities and durability.
Who Doesn’t Need an Ice Cream Maker?
While ice cream makers offer numerous benefits, they may not be necessary for everyone:
- Occasional Treat Eaters:
- Description: Individuals who prefer store-bought ice cream or consume frozen treats occasionally.
- Alternatives: Store-bought ice cream, ice cream parlors, or dessert shops.
- Limited Kitchen Space:
- Description: Those with small kitchens or limited counter space may find it challenging to accommodate an ice cream maker.
- Alternatives: Store-bought ice cream, single-serving ice cream makers, or dessert shops.
- Budget-Conscious Individuals:
- Description: Those who prefer not to invest in a specialized appliance or are on a tight budget.
- Alternatives: Homemade no-churn ice cream recipes, frozen fruit popsicles, or affordable ice cream scoops.
What Do Ice Cream Makers Offer?
Ice cream makers come with a range of features and benefits, including:
- Customization:
- Benefit: The ability to create personalized flavors and experiment with various ingredients, textures, and mix-ins.
- Freshness:
- Benefit: Homemade ice cream allows you to control the quality and freshness of ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and preservatives.
- Healthier Options:
- Benefit: Make healthier frozen treats using fresh fruits, natural sweeteners, and alternative milk options like almond or coconut milk.
- Versatility:
- Benefit: Many ice cream makers can also make sorbets, gelatos, frozen yogurts, and other frozen desserts, offering versatility in the kitchen.
- Convenience:
- Benefit: Enjoy homemade ice cream anytime without the need to visit a store or ice cream parlor, saving time and money in the long run.
Best Ice Cream Makers
1. Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence
Overview: The Cuisinart ICE-30BC Pure Indulgence is a popular electric ice cream maker known for its simplicity and reliability, making it a favorite among home ice cream enthusiasts.
Manufacturer: Cuisinart is a leading brand in kitchen appliances, offering a wide range of high-quality products.
Target Audience:
- Who Needs It: Home cooks, families, and individuals looking for a reliable and easy-to-use ice cream maker.
- Who Doesn’t Need It: Serious ice cream enthusiasts or those seeking advanced features.
Features and Analysis:
- Capacity: 2-quart capacity, suitable for making small to medium batches of ice cream.
- Operation: Fully automatic operation with a simple on/off switch.
- Freezing Time: Requires pre-freezing the bowl for 24 hours before use.
- Design: Sleek stainless steel housing with a transparent lid.
- Versatility: Can also make frozen yogurt and sorbet.
- Pros: Simple operation, easy to clean, affordable.
- Cons: Requires pre-freezing the bowl, limited capacity.
2. Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop
Overview: The Breville BCI600XL Smart Scoop is a high-end ice cream maker with advanced features and customizable settings, ideal for serious home cooks and ice cream enthusiasts.
Manufacturer: Breville is known for its innovative and high-performance kitchen appliances.
Target Audience:
- Who Needs It: Serious home cooks, culinary enthusiasts, and those seeking precise control over their ice cream-making process.
- Who Doesn’t Need It: Casual users or those on a tight budget.
Features and Analysis:
- Capacity: 1.5-quart capacity, suitable for small to medium batches of ice cream.
- Operation: Fully automatic with 12 hardness settings and pre-cool function.
- Freezing Time: Built-in compressor eliminates the need for pre-freezing the bowl.
- Design: Sleek stainless steel construction with a digital display and dial interface.
- Versatility: Can make gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and ice cream.
- Pros: Customizable settings, built-in compressor, self-refrigerating.
- Cons: Higher price point, larger footprint.
3. KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment
Overview: The KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment is a convenient accessory for KitchenAid stand mixers, allowing users to make ice cream, sorbet, and gelato with ease.
Manufacturer: KitchenAid is known for its durable and versatile stand mixers and attachments.
Target Audience:
- Who Needs It: KitchenAid stand mixer owners, individuals seeking a space-saving ice cream maker.
- Who Doesn’t Need It: Those without a KitchenAid stand mixer or needing a standalone ice cream maker.
Features and Analysis:
- Capacity: 2-quart capacity, suitable for small to medium batches of ice cream.
- Operation: Attaches to KitchenAid stand mixers, powered by the mixer’s motor.
- Freezing Time: Requires pre-freezing the bowl for 15 hours before use.
- Design: Durable plastic construction with a double-insulated bowl.
- Versatility: Can make ice cream, sorbet, and gelato.
- Pros: Compatible with KitchenAid stand mixers, easy to use and clean.
- Cons: Requires pre-freezing the bowl, limited capacity.
4. Nostalgia ICMP400WD Electric Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker
Overview: The Nostalgia ICMP400WD Electric Wood Bucket Ice Cream Maker is a retro-style ice cream maker with a charming wooden design, perfect for nostalgic ice cream lovers.
Manufacturer: Nostalgia Electrics specializes in retro-style kitchen appliances.
Target Audience:
- Who Needs It: Those who appreciate vintage aesthetics and enjoy the nostalgia of homemade ice cream.
- Who Doesn’t Need It: Individuals seeking advanced features or modern design.
Features and Analysis:
- Capacity: 4-quart capacity, suitable for making large batches of ice cream.
- Operation: Electric motor churns the mixture while the wooden bucket insulates and keeps it cold.
- Freezing Time: Requires pre-freezing the aluminum canister for 8 hours before use.
- Design: Wooden bucket design with a clear lid for easy viewing.
- Versatility: Can make ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, and sorbet.
- Pros: Retro design, large capacity, easy to assemble and use.
- Cons: Requires pre-freezing the canister, bulky design.
5. Hamilton Beach 68330N Automatic Ice Cream Maker
Overview: The Hamilton Beach 68330N Automatic Ice Cream Maker is an affordable and user-friendly electric ice cream maker suitable for beginners and occasional users.
Manufacturer: Hamilton Beach offers a range of practical and budget-friendly kitchen appliances.
Target Audience:
- Who Needs It: Budget-conscious individuals, beginners, and those seeking a simple and reliable ice cream maker.
- Who Doesn’t Need It: Serious ice cream enthusiasts or those needing advanced features.
Features and Analysis:
- Capacity: 4-quart capacity, suitable for making large batches of ice cream.
- Operation: Electric motor churns the mixture automatically.
- Freezing Time: Requires pre-freezing the bowl for 8 hours before use.
- Design: Simple plastic construction with a transparent lid.
- Versatility: Can make ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, and sorbet.
- Pros: Affordable, large capacity, easy to use and clean.
- Cons: Requires pre-freezing the bowl, basic design.
6. Whynter ICM-200LS Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker
Overview: The Whynter ICM-200LS Stainless Steel Ice Cream Maker is a premium compressor ice cream maker known for its durability, performance, and sleek design.
Manufacturer: Whynter specializes in high-quality kitchen appliances, including innovative ice cream makers.
Target Audience:
- Who Needs It: Serious home cooks, culinary enthusiasts, and those seeking a durable and reliable ice cream maker.
- Who Doesn’t Need It: Casual users or those on a tight budget.
Features and Analysis:
- Capacity: 2.1-quart capacity, suitable for making medium to large batches of ice cream.
- Operation: Built-in compressor freezes the mixture while churning, eliminating the need for pre-freezing the bowl.
- Design: Sleek stainless steel construction with a removable bowl and clear lid.
- Versatility: Can make ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt.
- Control Panel: LCD display with timer, temperature control, and multiple preset functions.
- Pros: Built-in compressor, stainless steel construction, precise temperature control.
- Cons: Higher price point, larger footprint.
7. Dash DIC700AQ 2-in-1 Ice Cream Maker, Frozen Yogurt, Sorbet + Popsicle Maker
Overview: The Dash DIC700AQ 2-in-1 Ice Cream Maker is a compact and versatile appliance that allows users to make various frozen treats, including ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and popsicles.
Manufacturer: Dash specializes in compact and colorful kitchen appliances designed for modern lifestyles.
Target Audience:
- Who Needs It: Space-conscious individuals, families, and those seeking a multifunctional ice cream maker.
- Who Doesn’t Need It: Those needing a larger capacity or advanced features.
Features and Analysis:
- Capacity: 1 quart capacity, suitable for making small batches of frozen treats.
- Operation: Electric motor churns the mixture automatically.
- Design: Compact and colorful design with a transparent lid and removable freezer bowl.
- Versatility: Can make ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and popsicles.
- Control Panel: Simple on/off switch with no additional settings.
- Pros: Compact size, multifunctional, easy to use and clean.
- Cons: Limited capacity, basic design.
8. Lello 4080 Musso Lussino
Overview: The Lello 4080 Musso Lussino is a high-end compressor ice cream maker favored by serious home cooks and ice cream enthusiasts for its performance and durability.
Manufacturer: Lello is known for producing high-quality ice cream makers designed for professional use.
Target Audience:
- Who Needs It: Serious home cooks, culinary enthusiasts, and those seeking a commercial-grade ice cream maker.
- Who Doesn’t Need It: Casual users or those on a tight budget.
Features and Analysis:
- Capacity: 1.5-quart capacity, suitable for making small to medium batches of ice cream.
- Operation: Built-in compressor freezes the mixture while churning, eliminating the need for pre-freezing the bowl.
- Design: Durable stainless steel construction with a sleek and modern design.
- Versatility: Can make ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt.
- Control Panel: Simple operation with a timer and on/off switch.
- Pros: Built-in compressor, durable construction, high performance.
- Cons: Higher price point, heavier and bulkier.
9. Yonanas Classic Original Healthy Dessert Fruit Soft Serve Maker
Overview: The Yonanas Classic Original Healthy Dessert Fruit Soft Serve Maker is a unique appliance that churns frozen fruits into healthy and delicious soft-serve desserts, perfect for health-conscious individuals.
Manufacturer: Yonanas specializes in frozen dessert makers designed to promote healthier eating habits.
Target Audience:
- Who Needs It: Health-conscious individuals, families, and those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream.
- Who Doesn’t Need It: Those needing traditional ice cream or looking for advanced features.
Features and Analysis:
- Operation: Churns frozen fruits into smooth and creamy soft-serve desserts without the need for additional ingredients.
- Design: Compact and lightweight design with a single-button operation.
- Versatility: Can make a variety of frozen desserts using different combinations of fruits.
- Control Panel: Single-button operation with no additional settings.
- Pros: Healthy alternative to traditional ice cream, easy to use and clean.
- Cons: Limited to soft-serve texture, not suitable for making traditional ice cream.
10. Ninja Creami
Overview: The Ninja Creami is a versatile appliance that combines a blender and ice cream maker, allowing users to create a variety of frozen treats, including ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and smoothies.
Manufacturer: Ninja is known for its innovative and multifunctional kitchen appliances designed for modern lifestyles.
Target Audience:
- Who Needs It: Multifunctional appliance enthusiasts, families, and those seeking versatility in their kitchen appliances.
- Who Doesn’t Need It: Those needing a dedicated ice cream maker or blender.
Features and Analysis:
- Operation: Combines blender and ice cream maker functions to create a variety of frozen treats.
- Design: Sleek and modern design with a powerful motor and large capacity pitcher.
- Versatility: Can make ice cream, gelato, sorbet, smoothies, and more.
- Control Panel: Touchscreen interface with multiple preset functions and manual controls.
- Pros: Multifunctional, large capacity, powerful motor.
- Cons: Higher price point, larger footprint.
Other Great Picks
Whynter ICM-15LS
Our staff overwhelmingly loved the Whynter ICM-15LS. While slightly pricier than some of our budget options, the ease of use, and consistency – made this our winning pick. It’s very quiet, easy to scoop all your ice cream from, and super simple to clean.
Breville BCI600XL
The Breville BCI600XL is a wonderful machine. We’d recommend this to anyone who wants a slightly pricier upgrade from our main pick. With over 200 near-perfect online reviews – we’re certainly not the only ones who think so. With great presets, and even creamier ice cream – it’s certainly a luxurious upgrade.
Cuisinart ICE-21
This machine from Cuisinart requires no ice, and is a great budget pick. With a near-perfect score after a whopping 5,000 (!) online reviews – this is a crowd favorite. If you want to spend less than $100 – this is our pick for best ice cream maker.
Lello 4080 Musso Lussino
The Ferrari of ice cream makers, this machine from Lello makes the best-tasting, smoothest ice cream we’ve ever tried. While it certainly carries a higher price tag – if you are serious about your ice cream, this is the machine for you.
White Mountain Ice Cream Maker With Appalachian Series Wooden Bucket
A really great mid-priced ice cream maker, the motor on this model will blow you away. We also really liked how well it was constructed, and the fact that it can freeze the ice cream in about 30 minutes. A great purchase for anyone not quite ready to get a full-blow deluxe model, but who still cares about quality.
Nostalgia ICMP400
With a perfect score after 1,000 online reviews – the Nostalgia ICMP400 is a dream. While it is definitely a budget pick – it is flawless. If you’d rather spend far less money, and are okay with foregoing some of the more advanced features – you’ll want to take a look at the Nostalgia ICMP400.
Hamilton Beach 68880
This model from Hamilton Beach is another great budget option, but we don’t like it quite as much as some of the other picks on our list. Ice cream is ready in as little as 20 minutes, but make sure you follow the directions precisely, as some reviewers have noted problems with the unit, when they veer even a little off the path.
Zoku Instant
Certainly the most colorful and creative budget option, the Zoku Instant also has great reviews. We liked the yellow color personally, but there are also 5 other colors to choose from. The soft serve and gelato created with this machine were also delicious, to boot.
Cuisinart Automatic FroYo/Sorbet/Ice Cream Maker
This may have the best set of reviews, of all the products we covered for this article. A near-perfect score, after over 3,500 online reviews – it’s hard not to like this model from Cuisinart. The stainless steel construction is very smooth, and at this price – it’s hard to find a better ice cream maker.
Cuisinart ICE-100
This more deluxe model from Cuisinart also has great reviews, and is another great choice, for best ice cream maker. While lacking some of the deluxe features found on higher-priced models – this gets the job done perfectly, and is fast and easy to clean.
What Is An Ice Cream Maker?
An ice cream maker is just what it sounds like – a machine made to craft everyone’s favorite dessert. Rather than going to the grocery store or a restaurant – you can have ice cream right at home.
There are electric and manual ice cream makers, both with unique advantages and disadvantages. If you want to do less work, you can grab an electric ice cream maker – but it will cost more. If you want to spend far less – opt for a manual ice cream maker – but be prepared to do a lot more work, just to make a single batch.
How We Tested
One of our more delicious assignments, we made numerous batches of ice cream, and tested over 20 different models. We made many different flavors, as well as many different batch sizes. In short – we were far more in-depth with our testing, than anyone would be in their own home.
How To Use An Ice Cream Maker
While there are electric and manual ice cream makers, they both operate in largely the same way. A paddle (also called a dasher), goes inside a canister holding the ice cream mix.
The canister itself is held within a container, which holds the freezing agent. This is usually salt and ice, a refrigerating unit, or a coolant inside the walls themselves.
If you are using a manual ice cream maker, you have to personally keep the dasher turning. Electric machines will do the turning for you.
Compressor Style Ice Cream Maker
Want the easiest way to make your own ice cream? Get a compressor style ice cream maker. You can simply flip one switch, and make unlimited batches of ice cream.
If you want professional-quality ice cream at home – you need to go with a compressor ice cream maker. No muss, no fuss – and batch after batch of great tasting ice cream.
Ice Cream Maker Capacity
You will also want to consider the overall capacity of the ice cream maker you intend to buy, before you make a purchase. If you are just making ice cream for yourself, small-capacity may be enough. But if you are going to be regularly making ice cream for your family – you’ll want to be sure to get a larger-capacity machine.
Why Should I Get An Ice Cream Maker?
Not only is an ice cream maker a great appliance for parties – it saves you lots of money over the long run. You can also make your own custom flavors – a feature worth a ton of cash, in our opinion.
While you may not technically need an ice cream maker – it makes a great addition to any kitchen. And after every batch we made – we were never disappointed, only overjoyed.
What Is Ice Cream Overrun?
The somewhat-confusing term ‘overrun‘ simply refers to the amount of air whipped into the ice cream. This term can also be thought of as the value that determines if your finished ice cream will be light and fluffy – or very dense.
Brands like Häagen-Dazs have a 25% overrun, which means they have a very thick ice cream. On the other end of the spectrum, Breyers has an ice cream that has nearly a 100% overrun amount. This makes for a very airy (and light) finished dessert.
The Science Behind Ice Cream
Ice cream consists of five different components – ice crystals, fat, air, sweeteners, and and other solids. Ice cream is also 30% to 50% air – which stops your chosen dessert from being too sweet.
Noise Level Of Ice Cream Makers
While many ice cream makers emit some noise as they work, we did not find any of the noise levels to be out of the ordinary. The Breville model was the quietest machine we tested, so if noise is an overly important issue for you, that may be the ice cream maker to go with.
Texture And Consistency Of Homemade Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream may taste slightly different than commercial brands you are used to – but that’s mostly because your ice cream will be far fresher. And if you want to keep your ice cream extra soft in the freezer – add in some extra sugar.
Churning Time Of Ice Cream Makers
The average churning time for ice cream makers is 25 to 40 minutes. Be careful not to over-churn your ice cream, as that will result in a less-than-desirable outcome.
Ease Of Use For Ice Cream Makers
If you want ease of use in an ice cream maker – there is no doubt at all what you want to go with. A compressor model wins out every time, as these machines make creating your own ice cream practically as easy as ordering an Uber.
Ice Cream Recipes
Finding ice cream recipes is easy – there are millions online, with every diet variation imaginable. You can go dairy-free, vegan, low-carb – whatever your heart desires. We are personally partial to old school mint chocolate chip – but that’s just our opinion.
Clean-Up For An Ice Cream Maker
We did not test any ice cream makers that were particularly hard to clean – all were ready for another batch within 5 to 10 minutes. However, make sure you read the user reviews, if you venture off of our list, and decide to go with a different ice cream maker.
You definitely do not want an ice cream maker that is difficult to clean, when there are so many models out there that make clean-up a cinch.
How Long Does It Take To Make My Own Ice Cream?
While some machines may take longer – most modern ice cream makers can have ice cream ready in less than an hour. The average is about 25 to 45 minutes – so it won’t be long until you are spoon-deep in your favorite indulgence.
Add-In Spout For Ice Cream Makers
If you want to easily be able to add toppings (like candy or nuts) to your ice cream – you can get an ice cream maker that has a built-in spout. This add-in spout is specifically designed to add your favorite toppings to your homemade ice cream, so each mixture will come out just perfect.
How To Make Your Own Ice Cream
Making your own ice cream is very easy. Simply choose your favorite ice cream recipe, and let the mixture chill in your refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
Then simply follow the instructions that came with your specific model of ice cream maker – and make batch after batch of the world’s most popular (and tasty) dessert.
Tips For Using An Ice Cream Maker
In order to make the best tasting ice cream at home, keep the mixture as cold as possible, at all times. And our real pro tip? Buy a machine with automatic shutoff, so you don’t have to calculate your own churn time.
Ice Cream Maker Freezing Style
If your ice cream maker needs a bowl or insert to make ice cream, you are looking at long wait times between batches. On the other hand, a compressor ice cream maker will allow you to quickly make batch after batch, with no wait time.
Ice Cream Maker Power Source
Churning ice cream can take more than 15 minutes – so if you opt for an electric ice cream maker, churning will definitely be easier. Hand-churning is also very tiring, and gets more difficult as the ice cream gets harder.
While manual ice cream makers can be brought to many functions (since they don’t require electricity) – they are significantly more difficult to use. We do not recommend manual ice cream makers, unless you don’t mind working extra hard – to get the exact same results as electric ice cream makers.
Ice Cream Maker Batch Size
Batch size is one factor to consider when buying an ice cream maker. This measurement will determine how much ice cream you can make at one time. Obviously the bigger the batch size – the more ice cream you can make at once.
Ice Cream Maker Price
Ice cream makers range in price from just $30 – to over $400. It’s important to determine your needs first, before deciding on a budget for an ice cream maker.
We also recommend spending slightly more than the absolute minimum, as an ice cream maker is a product you will want to last for many years. With this in mind, it makes more sense to opt for a slightly higher-end model.
How Do I Choose The Best Ice Cream Maker For Me?
There are a number of different factors to consider, when it comes to choosing the best ice cream maker. First – how often you want to make ice cream? If it’s not going to be that often, you probably don’t need a higher-end model.
Secondly – who will be using the ice cream maker? Is it just you, or is it for your family too? Lastly, how long do you want the machine to last? Most of us don’t buy for short term use, so make sure you get a slightly more expensive model, that has been proven to last.
Conclusion
Choosing the right ice cream maker depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you’re a serious home cook looking for a high-performance compressor model or a casual user seeking a budget-friendly option, there’s an ice cream maker on this list to suit your requirements.
By considering the capacity, features, design, and target audience of each model, you can confidently select the perfect ice cream maker to elevate your frozen treat-making experience. With your chosen ice cream maker, you’ll enjoy the freedom to create delicious homemade ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and more, right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
